The forward, 20, was linked with a move away from the Blancos this summer after struggling to break into the Santiago Bernabeu first team under Jose Mourinho.

However, new head coach Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to use youngsters more liberally, though the Spain Under-21 international has revealed that it is one of the Italian's assistants - a Madrid icon - that was key to his stay.

"Zidane is the main reason why I am still at Real Madrid," the attacker told Minuto 116.

Competing with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzima and Alvaro Morata for a starting berth has largely kept Jese restricted to a spot on the bench, though he is not fazed and wants to continue to work hard to impress Ancelotti.

"If I keep working day by day, opportunities will come," he added. "The coach is slowly trusting in me and that makes me happy."

Jese has made three appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, with all three coming from the bench.